Benedict College Community Life Student Handbook. Revised October 2009

Transcription

1 Benedict College Community Life Student Handbook Revised October 2009 Dr. David H. Swinton President

2 i Office of Community Life Dear Residential Student: On behalf of the Benedict College Community Life staff, I welcome you to the residential hall community. As you become a part of the Benedict College experience, I urge you as students to take advantage of every opportunity we give you for excellence and even create positive experiences we may not offer. Most students benefit educationally and socially from an on-campus living experience. To make your living experience at Benedict College easier, please read this handbook and retain it for future reference. Residents who do not comply with the terms of these policies and procedures may be officially removed from the residence hall, referred to the College Judiciary Board, have financial charges assessed against them, or some combination of the preceding penalties. With best wishes, Bridget Jones Director, Community Life

3 ii BENEDICT COLLEGE VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS VISION STATEMENT Benedict College will be the best open enrollment Historically Black College in the nation by MISSION STATEMENT Benedict College will be a power for good in society. We will be a full opportunity college with high quality programs of teaching, research, and public service. These programs will provide our students and community with the knowledge, skills, understandings, and values required to empower them to create a better world. We seek geographic, international, and racial diversity in our student body while continuing to facilitate the empowerment, enhancement, and full participation of African Americans in a global society.

4 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # Topic i. Letter from the Director ii. College Vision and Mission Statement iii. Table of Contents 1. Community Life Philosophy 2. Student Housing 3. Student Responsibility 4. Staffing 5. Housing Application 6. Check In/Check Out 7. Room Changes 8. Insurance 8. Keys 9. Furniture 9. Telephone Services 9. Storage 10. Cable 10. Refrigerator/Electrical Appliances 10. Kitchenettes 11. Laundry Room 11. Recreational Equipment/Games 11. Security 12. Search Policy 12. Rights of Entry 13. Search and Seizure 14. Common and Public Area Damage/Collective Fee Policy 15. Care of Rooms and Facilities 15. Release from Contract 16. Dorm Meetings 16. Falsification of Official Information 16. Identification Checks 16. Guest Policy 17. Housing During School Closings and Vacations 17. Non Compliance With Official Request 18. Harassment, Intimidation, Threatening or Use of Force 19. False Reports 19. Resolution Procedures 22. Penalties 22. Appeals 22. False Charges 23. Missing Students 23. Illness/Crises 23. Emergencies/Emergency Procedures 26. Communicable Diseases 27. Repairs 28. Shuttle Services 28. Educational and Cultural Activities 29. Residence Hall Regulations and Charges 32. General Regulations and Procedures 33. Housekeeping and Safety Regulations 33. Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations 36. Community Life Violation and Charges 37. Reference Directory

5 COMMUNITY LIFE The Office of Community Life is firmly committed to the concept that residence halls are to provide a place where students grow, experience the richness of community living and engage in learning outside the classroom. Dynamic communities form and contribute to each student s overall learning--intellectually, culturally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. On-campus living provides the proper balance of challenge and support for residents, which allows them to take responsibility for themselves and for their development. Resident living at Benedict College is designed with the student in mind. Our goal is to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe home in which the student can live, work, study, and build relationships. Living on campus gives the student a tremendous opportunity to interact with students from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It also allows them to enrich themselves by taking part in many social, intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural, and spiritual events. Community Life Philosophy Living in college housing is one of the special experiences associated with academic growth. While the primary function of Benedict College s residence halls is to provide students a place to sleep, socialize and study while attending Benedict College, the Community Life staff at Benedict College is committed to making our residence halls genuine living/learning centers for today's students. Your residence hall is your home, a place to relax and enjoy yourself. It is important, however, that an atmosphere for studying prevails. You will find that living on campus is unlike any experience you may have had. Residents must be conscience of their behavior and how it may affect others who are living around you. It is toward this end of maintaining this atmosphere that you, as residents, must continually strive. Your tolerance and respect for your fellow students, and regard for standards of good citizenship will assure this atmosphere. It is the college's philosophy that students are responsible for themselves. This means you, the student, are responsible for knowing and maintaining the college rules and policies. The college staff will enforce the regulations if you fail to do so. It is to your advantage to avoid problems before they begin. An attitude of "How does what I'm doing affect others?" will build a community of residents who regulate themselves, therefore ensuring that everyone's rights are protected. It is the desire of the Community Life staff to facilitate the personal development and learning of the students. By planning programs, activities of interest, and by advising and counseling students, we hope to assist you in your personal growth. We encourage you to stop by and talk with your Resident Hall Assistant. The Resident Hall Assistant (RHA) is a helper; use him/her to help you in any number of ways. Your RHA can help you solve a

6 2 problem or answer a question about campus life. Your RHA can also help make your experience in campus living a rewarding one by encouraging developmental and social activities. When you occupy a room at Benedict College, you become a member of a unique and interesting community. Learn from this community, and give something back to it. You will have the opportunity to meet people of all races and backgrounds. These people have much to offer you, as you have much to share with them. Learn to appreciate the "uniqueness" of the people who live around you. Learn from them; share your life with them. And by the time your stay with us is complete, you will be a different person; more confident and better informed. Student Housing The college-housing program sets the stage for student learning by providing a living environment that is conducive to academic pursuits, personal growth and the development of friendships within each residence area. Because the living experience is an integral part of the educational process, all students except local commuters live on campus and participate in a college meal plan at the college. The campus residence facilities house approximately 2050 full-time students. Each residence area has a different staffing pattern but is generally supervised by the Director of Community Life, Area Coordinators, a Community Life Coordinator and a Community Life Assistant and a team of Resident Hall Assistants. Expectations of Benedict College Dorm Residents Consistently agreeable interaction among members of a residential community is dependent upon mutual respect and appreciation. Dependability, competence, and consideration are necessities in the development of a positive community. Residents can establish and maintain respect by functioning as independently and effectively as the resident's ability allows; by being mature and knowledgeable about their own care; by managing time and items in a way that "fits" the schedule; and by treating people as they want and expect to be treated with honesty, fairness, kindness, patience, and respect. As a resident, you can: Become more a part of the College community. Studies conducted nationally show that students living in campus residence halls typically perform better ACADEMICALLY. Residents have opportunities for personal growth not available to commuting students. Living on campus provides an environment designed to help you experience INDEPENDENCE.

7 3 The residence halls become communities with student involvement. Social and recreational events in the residence halls enable students to live and study together, share experiences, and MAKE FRIENDS. Living in the residence halls makes getting to early morning classes easy and makes late evenings in the library manageable. You do not have to worry about traffic jams or trying to find a parking space. On-campus dining service and laundry room makes living on-campus CONVENIENT. The housing fee is charged once a semester; that includes rent, utilities, water sanitation, cable and local telephone service, along with furniture. Therefore living on-campus provides you with no hidden costs and PREDICTABLE EXPENSES. The Office of Community Life offers many computer options. There is a computer lab that is open to all residents. These computer labs allow you to type papers, etc. without having to walk to campus. So with living on-campus, there is better access to COMPUTERS. Student Responsibility for Community Living Residence halls promote a cooperative community living environment and teach students to respect the rights of others. Residence halls also recognize the academic atmosphere and protect the health, safety and security of all residents. The right to study, read, relax and sleep without unreasonable interference, noise or distractions, and the responsibility to help others have this right; The right to feel safe in the residence halls as well as have free access to one s room and other facilities in the building, and the responsibility to help ensure the safety for others in the building; The right to have respect shown for one s privacy, and the responsibility to respect the privacy of others; The right to have respect shown for one s personal property, and the responsibility to respect other s personal property as well as community property; The right to have visitors within the hall, and the responsibility for the behavior of those guests. The right to live in an area that is free of intimidation, physical or emotional harm, and the responsibility to ensure this right for others; The right to a clean living environment, and the responsibility to help keep it clean; The right to maintain one s personal beliefs and values, and the responsibility to respect others beliefs and values. Please keep in mind that any individual s rights end when exercising those rights infringes on others. The residence halls at Benedict College are a place for fun but also a place for study. In keeping with the mission of Benedict College, the residence halls must have an atmosphere conducive to academic development. Students whose behavior

8 4 violates the rights of other members of the community may be subject to disciplinary action and/or removal from College housing. STAFFING The Director of Community Life is responsible for comprehensive administration of student housing, which encompasses (a) the process of admission of students to campus housing; (b) the application and assignment process; (c) residential Community Life staff training and supervision; and (d) departmental decision-making. The residence halls are staffed by Area Coordinators, Community Life Coordinators, Community Life Assistants and Student Resident Hall Assistants (RHAs) who reside in the residence hall Residence Hall Assistants Program The task of the Resident Hall Assistants (RHA) Program is to accommodate student input within regard to policies, procedures, and social functions. Participation assures that the needs of the group are met in an efficacious manner. RHAs must have the willingness to discuss issues, problems or concerns with student residents, the Director, Community Life Coordinators and/or the Community Life Assistants. The fastest way to destroy a positive community is through gossip and accusations. Issues brought to the attention of residents and staff will be resolved in a manner that takes into account the needs of the residents and staff and the statutes of the College. Residents are responsible for assisting in keeping the residence clean and sanitary. Residents must attempt to prevent room odors and unsanitary conditions by assuring that personal hygiene equipment is cleaned, and by having soiled clothes taken to the laundry. Additional information about the student-housing program, including information about community guidelines and the student life judicial system, is available in The College Student Handbook. Student Dormitory Council Each residence area has a dormitory council that works with members of the Office of Community Life staff to coordinate programming and policy concerns for the residents.

9 5 HOUSING APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT An individual must be admitted to the College before an application for housing can be accepted. The housing application must be renewed each year. During the specified period for renewal of housing applications, the student is expected to review the Housing Application and Agreement and, if he/she desires housing and concurs with the terms and conditions, to review and sign the housing application. Signing the agreement constitutes an agreement by the student to comply with the terms and conditions accompanying the housing assignment. Application for Housing 1. Application for housing must be made well in advance of each semester the student wishes to remain in residence. A room deposit must be paid at the Office of Business Affairs. 2. Students who do not obtain a room assignment will have their names placed on a waiting list according to the payment date of their deposits and will be assigned to rooms when vacancies occur. Because of the uncertainty of cancellations, it is the responsibility of each student on the waiting list to seek an alternate place to live. The deposit is not refundable; however, the amount will be credited to the account of the student and will be held for the succeeding semester if the student reapplies. Room deposits will not be held for more than one academic year. 3. Room assignments are made on a first-come basis. The preference of students in the room assignment process and roommate choices will be given consideration within reasonable limits. All assigned rooms will be held for 24 hours only after the time fixed for registration of that student, after which the room will be assigned to the next eligible person on the waiting list. If a student cannot claim his/her room within the time provided, he/she may apply for an extension, showing just cause to the Director of Community Life. Reasonable requests for room changes and reassignments may be made to the Director of Community Life during the week after registration ends. Room assignments are made for each semester (fall and spring semesters) unless a student plans to terminate enrollment and/or unless a student is suspended or expelled before the semester ends. Financial responsibilities for room charges begin once a student officially registers as a boarding student. No refund of room and board charges will be issued after five weeks of the official dormitory opening date for the semester. 4. While the College provides janitorial service for hallways, bathrooms and public places, students must accept responsibility for the cleanliness and appearance of their rooms and general environment at all times. All rooms must be kept neat, clean, and in sanitary condition. They may be decorated to suit the taste of residents, but walls may not be defaced or spray painted by residents.

10 6 5. When students vacate their rooms for any reason, they will be held liable for any discrepancies and/or damages discovered in the rooms during the official checkout procedure. The process by which a room is vacated is described below: a. The student requests an inspection of his/her room by the Community Life Assistant or the Community Life Coordinator. b. The student then requests a copy of the withdrawal form which will indicate whether anything is charged against him/her for damages, losses, etc. (Damages may include breakage of furniture, doors, windows, etc., and defacing of walls or doors. Losses would include any item that has been removed from the room.) c. Then the student turns in his/her room key to the Community Life Assistant, or Community Life Coordinator. The Office of Business Affairs will receive moneys for any charges levied against the student at that time. Any charges remaining unpaid after the student has departed will be added to his/her bill. FRAUDULENT APPLICATION OR ELIGIBILITY If there is any reason to believe that a person or resident has fraudulently gained access to or is no longer eligible for housing, the resident of the unit will be contacted to review the matter. If it is verified that the individual is fraudulently living in the unit, or the resident fails to respond to the inquiry, eviction procedures may begin immediately. SCHEDULE Residence halls normally open on the day prior to the beginning of orientation for new students and on the day prior to registration for returning students. They close on the day following the last scheduled class for intercession holidays and at noon on the day following graduation exercises. Unless special permission has been granted by the Director of Community Life for students who must arrive early or remain late because of College responsibilities. Housing units will not be open to students before or after the established opening and closing times announced. CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT Residents are to check in at their respective resident halls. Residents will be issued keys and required to sign a residence hall check-in/check-out record as soon as possible. Students/roommates are held jointly responsible for all damages to the College facilities, which they occupy. When moving into a room, a student should check carefully and report any damages noticed in the room to the Community Life Coordinator as soon as possible.

11 7 To move out of the residence halls during the semester, you must first obtain approval from the Office of Community Life. When the term of the housing/dining agreement has ended, approval is not necessary. However, before you check out at any time you must: 1. Clean room thoroughly-dust, sweep, etc. 2. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and remove all items and completely defrost. 3. Empty Trash. 4. Unplug everything. 5. Turn down heating/air-conditioning unit 6. Close and lock window(s). 7. Return borrowed items. 8. Remove all belongings from room. 9. Lock room door. A staff member must inspect the room for damages using the resident's check-in/checkout record. The resident can claim any damages to the room that are attributed solely to the resident. Any damages, which a resident does not attribute to him/herself, will be split between the residents of the room. The Community Life Coordinator will go through each unit after all the residents have checked out to assess damage cost. Damages will then be billed to the resident. The residents must then return the keys assigned them (room/apartment) to their Community Life Coordinator or Community Life Assistant and sign their key card. The resident and Community Life staff person must sign and date the room check-in/checkout record and the resident leaves their forwarding address at the desk. Residents who leave at the end of the fall semester must be checked out of their room by assigned date and time. 1. Residents must check out prior to leaving for winter break. 2. Apartment residents must check out no later than the last test day prior to the Christmas break. Residents are responsible for any damage fees assessed following inspection by a professional staff member. Residents who check out later than their assigned date, either at the end of the fall semester or the end of the academic year, will be charged. ROOM CHANGES Residents who desire a change of room or hall must submit a room change request in order to be considered. The ability to relocate is based upon space limitations and an educational philosophy that residents have tried in good faith to solve any differences. See your Community Life Coordinator/Community Life Assistant if you wish to change rooms.

12 8 INSURANCE It is recommended that students have some type of renters insurance to cover their property while they are living in the residence hall. Property insurance The college is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged at any time or when it is left behind at the time the student vacates the residence hall. Students are encouraged to carry personal property insurance. KEYS One room key is issued to each resident at check-in. If you live in an apartment, one bedroom (in two and three bedroom apartments) and one front door key will be issued at check-in. If a key is lost or needs to be replaced, there will be a charge per key that needs to be replaced. DUPLICATION OF KEYS. Each key is clearly marked "Duplication of Key Prohibited." The renewal of cores and the provisions of keys must be done solely by the Office of Physical Plant. No student, therefore, may take it upon himself/herself to have his key duplicated by any other means or at any other establishment. In the event a key becomes inoperative through no fault of the student, a new key will be issued without charge. If a key is lost or if the failure of the key to function properly is the fault of the student, a new key will be issued at the student's expense. The procedure for obtaining duplicates of lost or stolen keys is to be followed in four steps: 1. Reporting the loss of the key to the Community Life Coordinator. 2. Payment to the Office of Business Affairs of the costs of the core/lock and/or new key(s). 3. Presentation of the receipt of payment to the Community Life Coordinator for his/her signature and verification of the key code number. 4. Presentation of the completed form (constituting a receipt and a request for a duplicate key) to the Office of Physical Plant. If you get locked out of your room/apartment, you must contact a Community Life staff person and show a picture ID in order to gain access to your room/apartment. You are permitted TWO lockouts per semester. After two lock outs you may then need to meet with the Community Life Coordinator.

13 9 ROOM FURNISHING All of the residence hall rooms are furnished with beds, mattresses (and mattress covers as appropriate), desks, dressers and chairs. In addition to previous mentioned furniture, apartments are furnished with dining room and living room furniture. All of the furniture in the room must remain in the room. The College will hold students liable for any furniture removed from the room or any damage to the furnishings beyond usual wear and tear. PUBLIC AREA FURNITURE Each public lounge in the residence hall is furnished for the use of all residents. As such, all furniture must remain in the lounges. Also, room furnishings provided by the College are not to be removed from the rooms. Removal of any of the furnishings from their assigned locations, including lounge furnishings moved into a student s room, is considered theft of college property, and the student(s) involved will be referred for judicial action. TELEPHONE SERVICES Benedict College assigns extension numbers to each dormitory room. Students are not authorized to charge or accept long distance calls to this extension. Unauthorized billings to the College extension will constitute violation of the South Carolina Code Avoiding or attempting to avoid payment of telecommunication services, and instances involving interstate calls is in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1343, Fraud by Wire. Any student caught in violation can be charged, arrested, fined and imprisoned for violating either of these codes. Each room is provided with one active telephone line and one modular jack for local service. This outlet will accept one telephone. Each apartment has one telephone jack in each bedroom and one in the living room with one active telephone line. Either a rotary (pulse) or touch-tone phone is compatible, provided it has a modular connector. If you would like to make a long distance calls from your room/apartment, you may sign up with a long distance carrier. You may also use a calling card by contacting your company through a operator. Residents may not bill long distance calls to the residential phone number or address. You must dial 9 to access any number. STORAGE No storage facilities are available for people living in the residence halls or apartments.

14 10 CABLE Each apartment has a cable hookup and receives basic cable. If your television is "cable ready," attach the cable to your TV set and to the receptacle and you will receive cable. If your TV is not cable ready, you must obtain a converter box before you will receive cable. Premium cable channels are available to you. You must contract directly with Cable for this service. HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING To make your heating/air-conditioning unit work best do not place anything in the units, such as potpourri, air fresheners or other items such as these. They only create mold and cause bad odors. Please keep A/C Units on 72 degrees or above. Please keep Heating Units on degrees or below. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND OUTLETS Due to overloading of electrical circuits, the total wattage of all electrical appliances in use at any one time should not exceed 1800 watts. Refrigerators and microwaves are only authorized for Oak Street Living and Learning Complex, Haskell Street Dormitory and apartments owned and leased by the College. Refrigerators and/or Microwaves are only permitted in other residential facilities if the student secures a doctor s excuse indicating they have a medical condition that requires a refrigerator and/or microwave. Electrical appliances with heating coils are not permitted. Electrical surge protectors are recommended for students who bring their own personal computers, printers, televisions or stereos. Electrical appliances must be UL-approved and in good working condition. Any multiple outlets must have surge protectors. KITCHENETTES (English Meadows Apartments, Bentley Court Apartments, Courtyard West Apartments) Each apartment is furnished with a refrigerator and a microwave. Appliances are UL approved. To enjoy the continued use of these facilities, please adhere to the following guidelines: 1. You must provide your own cooking utensils. 2. When using the microwave oven, do not use metal or foil items. 3. You must remain present when using a kitchenette.

15 11 4. You are responsible for cleaning up the kitchenette after use (since the custodial staff does not maintain kitchenettes, it is the sole responsibility of residents to do so). 5. Please remember to remove your cooking utensils after use. Illegal Appliances Examples of illegal appliances are as follows: Broiler Ovens, Crock Pots, Deep Fryers, Electric Heaters, Grills, Hot Plates, Rotisserie, etc. If you are not sure if an appliance is legal or illegal, please contact your Community Life Coordinator for clarification before bringing the appliance into your living quarters. All unauthorized appliances are subject to be confiscated and the resident may be dismissed from the residence hall. LAUNDRY ROOM The laundry facilities are provided for residents only. If you lose money in a machine, or notice a machine needs repairs, please report it to the lobby desk. It is essential that those using the laundry rooms are considerate of others when using the facilities. Please remember to remove your clothes immediately upon completion of washing and drying cycle. Others may be waiting! Also, when someone is folding clothes on the table, please do not put dirty clothes, hangers, detergent, or bleach on it. Remember to wipe up anything you spill, especially bleach. It can ruin clothes. All who use the facility are responsible for helping keep the laundry rooms clean. RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT /GAMES Recreational equipment is available at the lobby desks for residents to check out with their student ID. Items available must be returned in the specified amount of time. SECURITY Several security features exist in the residence halls and apartments, including doors into room and apartments that lock automatically when closed, but you can never be too careful. Despite the efforts of the Community Life Office and Department of Campus Police, in the final analysis, security begins with you. All fire exit doors and wing doors, with the exception of the main lobby, must be locked at all times. Be sure to take your keys at all times.

16 12 To ensure a safe environment, you should never prop open a fir exit or wing door. Additionally, it is important that all students enter and exit through main lobby doors and ensure that others do the same. If you have a concern with door security, please report it promptly to a member of the Community Life staff. The doors open directly to the outside of the building. All residents are encouraged to keep their apartment door closed and locked at all times. Additionally, it is important to make sure you close your blinds in the evening. SEARCH POLICY Because a College is viewed as an educational community with special behavioral requirements, the courts have upheld the College s right to enter and search student rooms and suites with just cause. However, the entry and search must not be done in an arbitrary and capricious manner, which unnecessarily deprives a student of fundamental constitutional protection. The College housing staff will also make periodic inspections of students rooms and suites for safety and health reasons. Violations observed during routine inspections and/or building evacuations may be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. The intent of this policy is to provide protection for the rights of each student while at the same time providing staff members and College officials the means to maintain and protect the educational environment necessary for the College to fulfill its primary purpose. Rights of Entry The College reserves the right to enter any room or apartment: (a) with or without notice for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, or repair; (b) without notice to or permission of the resident thereof, for the purpose of (1) inspecting for dangerous drugs or narcotics; (2) inspecting for firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons; or (3) any other substances, materials or goods the possession of which is a breach of the Housing Agreement, the standards and regulations of the College. Such entry and inspection, however, should be made only when the College has reasonable cause to believe that such items are present in the room; and (c) when there is reason to believe that the occupants of the room are in serious physical or psychological distress. Emergency Entry A staff member may, without verbal or written authorization from a higher authority, enter a student s room or suite either forcibly or with a building master key in cases of fire, explosion, bomb threats, attempted or suspected suicide, or other situations which

17 13 call for the immediate entry in the interest of safety and security both for the residents of the room or suite and the physical plant. Any unauthorized or illegal items observed in student rooms or suites during an emergency entry will not be used as a basis for criminal prosecution. However, in the event of suspected vandalism, arson, assault or other violations of major College policy, which may have occurred in a room, Campus Police will be called in to conduct an investigation. The results of such an investigation may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. Authorized Entry In the case of a known violation of a College policy, a staff member may request permission to make an authorized entry into a student s room or suite. The request will be made to the Director of Community Life who will determine the merits of the request and either approve or disapprove the entry. The staff will then notify those residing in the room that authorization has been obtained to enter the room by use of whatever means necessary. When a room or suite is entered by means of an authorized entry, the purpose will be to make a visual inspection of the room and observed violations may be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. The staff member also may look in the bathroom, in the closet and under the bed. Search and Seizure The College reserves the right for appropriate officials to search dorms or individual rooms without a written notice whenever there is reasonable suspicion that illegal items are in the room(s), which violate College rules and regulations. Local, state and federal laws or in cases of emergencies when there is suspicion of danger or injury to individuals or College property. If such property is discovered, the College may confiscate it until proper disposition of the case has been made. Search Warrant Entry In those cases where an individual has personal knowledge or other information of a violation of a criminal nature, such as theft or acts of violence, Campus Police are to be contacted. The Campus Police officer will then determine whether or not sufficient evidence exists to request a search warrant. HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION Living conditions that could adversely affect residents' health and safety are prohibited. Residents are responsible for maintaining reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety in their rooms or apartments, hallways, lounges, bathrooms, and lobby areas including proper garbage/trash disposal and securing of cable, telephone and electrical wiring. The

18 14 housing staff reserves the right to inspect rooms to ensure that residents comply with health and safety regulations. Upon vacating a room or apartment, the resident must ensure that the space is clean and in condition for the next student to occupy. The purpose of health and safety inspections is to ensure that each student s room, all common spaces, and public areas of the residence halls are in reasonably clean condition, and that all terms associated with the safety regulations and policies of the College are being met. These inspections are conducted at least once per week. The Community Life staff will inspect the general condition of the room, which includes: closets, appliances, extension cords, ceilings and wall hangings. Violations will be noted and called to the attention of the student. Serious violations or failure to remedy the condition may result in loss of housing and other penalties may apply. During the room inspection, Community Life staff will look for such violations as presence of pets and animals, excessive dirt, open food containers, overloaded outlets and alcohol and drug containers and paraphernalia. However, items seen in the room that are in violations of the Community Life policies will be confiscated. Procedure These inspections are for the life safety of each of our residents, and are to begin almost immediately. 1. The date and time of inspections for your residence hall is unannounced. There will be no notification to building residents regarding the time or date of the inspection. 2. The process involves the inspector accessing all occupied rooms and common-use area. There are no exceptions. 3. A copy of the Notice of Violations and/or charge document will be completed by the Community Life Coordinator and forwarded to the Director of Community Life. The Notice indicates that repairs are necessary. When violations are found, a re-inspection will be conducted approximately seven days after the initial inspection. Walks and Balconies Residents shall be responsible for the cleanliness of balconies or walks in front of their apartment. COMMON AND PUBLIC AREA DAMAGE/COLLECTIVE FEE POLICY There are specific acts of damage or vandalism that occur in the residence halls for which the responsible party cannot be identified. The College has a collective fee policy for assessing vandalism and other damage charges. If the responsible party is not established within a specified period of time, the cost for repair or replacement of the area or item

19 15 vandalized will be divided equally among all residents of the affected area. A minimum charge of $5 will be assessed for damage to common areas or to the room. The student will be notified of the charge, and payment must be made within ten days to the Business Office. Failure to pay damage fees will result in loss of housing and other penalties may apply. Prior to assessment of damage fees, every effort will be made to identify the parties responsible for the damage, including hall meetings and announcements on the bulletin boards. Excessive damage may also result in the loss of housing. CARE OF ROOMS AND FACILITIES College property is inventoried according to location and is not to be moved without the expressed written permission of the Director of Community Life. Vandalism of and graffiti on College property/facilities is prohibited, and students will be held responsible for such damage. Residents are prohibited from painting rooms. The stacking of beds, or other furniture, on tops of desks and dressers is prohibited. Students may not alter or add attachments to their rooms. These items include, but are not limited to, locks, outside radio and television antennae, additional wiring, window shades, or awnings. Students are responsible for damaged or missing property. RELEASE FROM CONTRACT 1. A student wishing to be released from a room and board contract must apply within five weeks from the official opening date of the residence hall for such release in writing at the Housing Office. 2. A student withdrawing from the College, who has filed an application for release from contract, will be released from the room and board contract 24 hours after the application has been received. 3. A student may be released during a semester for the following reasons: (a) academic dismissal, (b) disciplinary expulsion from the College, (c) marriage (a copy of the marriage certificate must be filed), (d) induction into military service, (e) health, upon recommendation of the Student Health Service, or (f) death of either parent or legal guardian. 4. A student who is released from the room portion of the contract is automatically released from the board, social dues and maintenance fee portions of that contract.

20 16 DORM MEETINGS Community Life Coordinators are responsible for holding dorm meetings on a monthly basis. These meetings are designed to keep the residents informed of any policy changes as well as to talk about programs and activities for the dorm. These meetings are mandatory and it is the responsibility of every resident to be aware of what takes place at these meetings. The mandatory meetings will be posted in advance. There will, however, be certain meetings throughout the semester that are not mandatory for all residents to attend. FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION No student shall alter, replicate or have in his or her possession an altered College identification card (BC Access Card), nor shall he or she alter, replicate or enter false information on an official College document. No student shall provide false information or fail to provide current information to the College for the purpose of defrauding the College. IDENTIFICATION CHECKS IDs must be presented when entering any of the college residence halls. College ID cards must be carried at all times and must be presented when requested by any College official. Transfer of ID cards and/or residence hall stickers are prohibited. GUEST POLICY Only residents and their guests of the same gender are permitted in the residence halls living areas. Students from another residence hall are considered guests as well. You are expected to accompany guests at all times while they are in the building. You will be held responsible for the behavior of your guests. As a result of the unique nature of a residence hall community, resident students have a high responsibility to other residents. Students who bring guests into this living environment must be willing to assume responsibility for the behavior of their guests. Residents are allowed only two guests per visit. While you cannot absolutely control another person's behavior, you can control whom you choose to have as a guest. The facts that you are responsible for those you allow visiting should foster more judicious decision-making on your part. It is your responsibility to inform guests of residence hall and College policies and to encourage compliance. Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender with the prior knowledge and consent of all roommates and the approval of the Community Life Coordinator.

21 17 Overnight guests are to be occasional and therefore guests may stay no more than three nights consecutively in one month. Opposite gender guests must visit in the student lounge in accordance with the designated hours for each residence hall. Members of the opposite gender may not be in non-public areas of the residence halls during these designated guest hours. HOUSING DURING SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND VACATIONS Room fees do not include these vacation periods. Any students remaining on the campus during vacation periods without authorization will be considered trespassers. Since the College does not permit students to remain in the residence halls when school is not formally in session, students are not permitted access to the residence halls after closing. Also, the College is not responsible for items left in students rooms. If a student is unable to go home during the break, he/she must take the responsibility for arranging off-campus temporary accommodations. Because of time constraints necessary to prepare for succeeding obligations, late checkouts are not allowed. As a general rule, residence halls close within 24 hours of the last final exam and by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the last class period before holidays and breaks. Closing and opening dates and times will be posted in advance and all students must conform. NONCOMPLIANCE WITH AN OFFICIAL REQUEST No student shall fail to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directions by members of the faculty, administrative staff, residence Community Life staff or other employees acting in the performance of their official duties. A request for proper identification from a student is a reasonable expectation. No student shall fail to answer promptly lawful requests from faculty members or administrative officers of the College. No student shall intentionally provide false information, verbally or in writing, to faculty or staff members acting in the performance of their official duties. The student has the responsibility to act in a manner that is conducive to learning by the student and by other students by: being prepared, prompt, attentive and courteous in all academic settings (including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, advising centers, departmental and faculty offices, etc.) and complying with requests made by a faculty or staff member in an academic setting. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: disciplinary probation and educational program. HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATENING OR USE OF FORCE

22 18 College Housing/Residence Education prohibits any person, either singly or in concert with others, from willingly causing injury to another, willfully threatening the well-being of another, verbally abusing others, or intimidating others (including College officials and student staff acting in performance of their duties). Violence to Persons No student shall engage or attempt to engage in any form of violence directed toward another person or group of people. Responding to violence with violence is a violation of this policy. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: disciplinary probation and one semester suspension. Sexual Misconduct Student sexual misconduct is defined as unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by a student against another student without consent. This includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for the reporting of such behavior. Student sexual misconduct may include, but is not limited to: (1) unwelcome touching - either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch another person's body, directly or through clothing - such as patting, pinching, brushing against the body, attempted or actual kissing or fondling, and any other inappropriate and/or unwelcome touching or feeling; (2) coerced sexual intercourse (e.g., rape, attempted rape, sodomy, or other sexual acts or misconduct); (3) unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex; (4) implied or overt threats of a sexual nature; (5) making gestures of a sexual nature; (6) unwelcome sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities; and humor and jokes about sex that denigrate women or men in general. Acts of physical student sexual misconduct are commonly considered to constitute a form of sexual assault when occurring without consent. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by threat, force, intimidation, or through the use of the victim's physical or mental inability (of which the accused was aware or should have been aware) to understand the situation, the consequences of his/her choices, or to express his/her desires

23 19 Weapons The use or possession of fireworks, firearms, or other dangerous weapons or material is prohibited. Firearms are defined as any gun, rifle, pistol or handgun designed to fire bullets, BB's, pellets, or shots regardless of propellant used. Weapons include, but are not limited to, knives, razors, metal knuckles, blackjacks, hatchets, bows and arrows, nunchankas foils, or any explosive or incendiary devise. Windows Throwing objects, including pouring liquids from windows and/or walkways is prohibited and is grounds for suspension from the residence halls. Residents of a room from which objects are thrown will be held responsible for this conduct. Objects may not be placed on windowsills as they may fall out or be knocked out of the window accidentally, causing harm and/or damage to persons or property. Sitting on window ledges and leaning out of windows are violations of state and campus fire and safety regulations and are prohibited. FALSE REPORTS Falsely reporting the presence of an unlawful explosive or incendiary device with the intent to mislead, deceive or disrupt the operation of the residence halls; falsely reporting a fire or other emergency; or falsely activating the fire alarm system is strictly prohibited and will result in suspension from the residence halls. Those found in violation of this policy will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. When does my Community Life Coordinator need to be notified of an incident? The general philosophy of Community Life if "when in doubt... call." If you have a feeling you should be calling someone at home about an incident... you should call. Incidents where you should always notify your Community Life Coordinator include: 1. Student Arrest 2. Suicide Attempt 3. Medical Emergency 5. Building Damage such as fire, serious water damage, power outage, etc. Resolution Procedures Any student who feels that he or she has been the victim of student sexual misconduct is encouraged to report the incident and pursue recourse through this Policy. Informal complaints of student sexual misconduct filed under the policy may be verbal or in writing. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing. All complaints should be

24 20 submitted to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Complaints of student sexual misconduct should be filed as soon as possible following the event or occurrence giving rise to the complaint to insure a complete investigation and prompt resolution of the problem. A complaint filed more than two days after an incident or event generally will not be considered to have been filed in a timely fashion. Complaints will generally be handled expeditiously; however, certain circumstances (e.g., illness, travel, holidays, etc.) may cause delays. Any administrator, supervisor, or other College official to whom a complaint of student sexual misconduct is made or who otherwise is made aware of incidents that might constitute student sexual misconduct, as defined in this Policy, should refer such matters to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Informal Resolution Procedures Any student who feels that he or she may have been the victim of acts of student sexual misconduct may file a verbal or written complaint with the Vice President of Student Affairs. Within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will undertake an investigation. Additional staff members may assist in the investigation and will meet with the accuser and such other persons who may be deemed necessary, including the accused. An attempt will be made to complete the investigation and/or consultative process within an additional thirty (30) working days. The primary goal or objective of the informal complaint process is to resolve the conflict. In addition, resolution at the informal complaint process level may include an agreement in which one or more of the parties involved agrees to accept discipline in the form of a warning, censure, probation, or other such disciplinary action as may be warranted by the circumstances of each case, administered by the Vice President of Student Affairs. To the extent the parties are able to achieve a satisfactory resolution of the complaint through the informal resolution process, the complaint will be considered resolved. The accused and accuser will receive written notification of the outcome and disposition of the complaint. In those cases in which a mutually satisfactory resolution of an informal complaint of student sexual misconduct cannot be achieved, either the accused or the accuser may request in writing to advance the complaint to the formal complaint or resolution process. The fact that a complaint of sexual misconduct may be concluded at the request of the accusing party does not preclude the filing of a formal complaint by others, including appropriate College officials. In addition, students who wish to pursue a formal complaint of student sexual misconduct may do so without first filing an informal complaint. Formal Resolution Procedures Formal complaints of sexual harassment must be filed in writing with the Vice President of Student Affairs. Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint will undertake a preliminary fact-finding investigation to determine whether further investigation or proceedings appear to be warranted. In those situations in which the Vice President of Student Affairs determines that the alleged conduct does not fall within the definition of